Main Entry: re·duce
Pronunciation: ri-d(y)üs
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): re·duced; re·duc·ing1: to make smaller in size, amount, or number <reduce the number of accidents>; especially: to lose weight by dieting2: to bring to a specified state or condition3 a: to lower in grade or rank : DEMOTEb: to be driven by poverty or need <was reduced to begging> c: to lessen the strength of4: to change an arithmetic expression to a simpler form without changing its value <reduce a fraction to lowest terms>5: to break down (as by crushing or grinding) <reduce stone to powder>6 a: DEOXIDIZEb: to combine with or subject to the action of hydrogen c: to add one or more electrons to (an atom or ion or molecule) - re·duc·ernoun- re·duc·ibil·i·ty /-d(y)ü-s-bil-t-/ noun- re·duc·ible /-d(y)ü-s-bl/ adjective